A Step-by-Step Guide to Copy ESXi VM to a USB Drive

Offsite VM backups are crucial. This guide demonstrates how to easily copy ESXi virtual machines to a USB drive for secure, accessible storage.

Method 1: Manual VM File Download

This method copies the core VM files.

1. Power off the target VM in the VMware ESXi web client.
2. Navigate to Storage > Datastore browser.
3. Locate the VM's folder, select all files, and click Download.
4. Select your USB drive as the destination and click Save.

Method 2: OVF File Export

This method exports the complete VM, including metadata.

1. Power off the target VM in the VMware ESXi web client. Navigate to Virtual Machines.
2. Right-click the VM and select Export.
3. Confirm the download of the .ovf and .vmdk files.
4. Select your USB drive as the destination and click Save.

Important USB Considerations:

• Use a high-quality, high-capacity USB drive compatible with ESXi.
• Format the drive with a file system compatible with both ESXi and your backup software.
• Establish a comprehensive backup plan tailored to your organization's needs.

Conclusion:

This guide provides two methods for copying ESXi VMs to a USB drive. Choose the method that best suits your requirements. Remember, regular backups are essential for data protection. Consider using backup software like MiniTool ShadowMaker for automated, scheduled backups.

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